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Magic: The Gathering players frequently enjoy tribal strategies — who has not constructed an elf strategy before? — while this upcoming ATLA crossover set is reintroducing two beloved mechanics which fit perfectly to the theme.

Reappearing Tribal Abilities

The initial ability, known as "Ally," first debuted in the Zendikar and grants boosts whenever more permanents with this type come onto the field.

Meanwhile, "Shrines" represents an enchantment subtype that originated in Kamigawa. Although not exactly creature-based tribal theme, these enchantments also gain abilities when a player controls additional Shrines on the battlefield.

The Return for the Ally Mechanic

While Shrine cards have been appeared here and there in newer releases, Allies mechanic has been far less common — until that changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is heavily featured.

Aang has to recruit numerous allies during his quest to restore balance across the four nations, and there's no better way to represent that in an Magic set.

Revealed Cards Showcase

After the first set reveal, below is previews of an Ally and a Shrines cards in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set.

Teo, Spirited Glider: A Fan-Favorite Figure

Teo stands as a popular minor character from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a boy of the Earth Tribe that resided in an Air Temple after his home was ruined by a disaster, an event that left him unable to walk.

Because of his father's expertise with mechanics, Teo is able to glide through the skies using a flying device, and challenges Aang to a flying race.

This card Teo, Spirited Glider represents his passion for flying along with the Earth Tribe's use of flying machines by letting you loot whenever a player attacks with a flying unit, while additionally boosting your creatures with +1/+1 counters in the process.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of Teo's dwelling, it appears as a card named Northern Air Temple, that drains an opponent's life when coming into the battlefield, based on the number of Shrines you have.

It also removes an additional point anytime another Shrine comes onto the battlefield.

This appears to be an impactful addition, considering the card's cheap mana cost plus good ETB effect.

One major drawback of Shrine strategies outside of EDH are the fact that these cards are always legendary permanents, but Northern Air Temple is great in combination alongside Sanctum of Stone Fangs, which deals damage to all opponents at the beginning of your turn.

A Welcome Collaboration

Currently when crossover sets are receiving significant hate from fans, an iconic series like Avatar could be exactly what Magic: The Gathering requires.

Preview period has begun, with the full set will be released on Nov. 21.